Since she'd have to wake Charlotte soon anyways to get her ready for dinner, Emily just gently moved over Charlotte from her lap to the touch and tucked a blanket on her to nap.

Once Derek texted her the address for the dinner reservation, Emily was both excited and nervous- it was a fancy 5 dart restaurant near D.C. with water views and an amazing menu.

Derek was taking this very seriously... and that made her heart full of happiness.

Getting Derek and Charlotte in the same period of time had made for the most amazing past couple weeks, and she couldn't be happier.

She used Charlotte's napping time as time to relax and get herself ready for dinner that night. After stepping out of the shower, Emily blow dried and flat ironed her silky black hair straight, and put on a classy, form fitting sleeveless black dress, complete with small dangling crystals in her ears and a subtle matching necklace.

She looked incredible.

Just as she was clasping the necklace together, she heart a step behind her and turned to see a drowsy looking Charlotte standing in the bathrooms doorframe.

A small smile pulled at the side of her lips. "You look pwetty Mommy" she said shyly, stretching.

Emily smiled. "Why thank you sweetheart. Are you ready to get dressed?"

Charlotte nodded and the two went down to her room.

Emily went into Charlotte's closet where a small black, velvet dress was hanging. A small belt of red roses went across the middle and it tied in a bow in the back.

Emily remembered buying it at target, seeing it and thinking it was too precious to resist buying.

Now she was certainly glad she had.

She held it up for Charlotte's approval with a smile.

Charlotte smiled too, but it was replaced by a frown a moment after. "Twights?" She requested.

Emily nodded.

She knew Charlotte was still working on her body confidence with all her healing injuries.

Emily gently helped Charlotte change out of her clothes from that morning and into grey tights, the dress, and plain black flats.

She glanced at her phone and saw they should be leaving soon.

She buckled Charlotte in and handed her a brain teaser and coloring book for the ride to the restaurant.

She was glad to see her still in good spirits, and happy she had such a fun day.

"So Charlotte," she said, about 25 minutes into their drive, "I was thinking we could go back and talk to Dr. Freeman tomorrow? Would that be ok?" Emily asked.

Charlotte thought for a moment and shrugged. "Will I hawe to tawk about the doctows?" She asked in a smaller voice.

Emily shook her head no. "Remember, you never have to talk about something you not want to... but also remember that it can really help to talk about things like the doctors. It will help you feel less sad about it." She said carefully

Charlotte shrugged again and went back to her coloring page.

After another 20 minutes, they arrived at the restaurant. Emily had her car valeted, then lifted Charlotte and carried her up to the entrance.

On their way up Emily smiled as she watched Charlotte's bright green eyes looking around at the beautiful water backdrop with wonder and amazement.

"Pretty cool, right?" Emily said as they went inside.

Charlotte nodded quickly and put her thumb into her mouth.

"Hi" she said to the hostess "Here under Morgan" she said

The hostess nodded and brought them up to a table set for four that Derek and Fran were already seated at.

The walls are glass windows and from the table, you could see right out onto the water.

Derek and Fran stood up as they approached.

Emily set Charlotte down and Derek kissed her lips quickly.

"You look.. incredible" he said truthfully

She let out a small laugh. "And you don't look too bad yourself"

"And Charlotte, I love this dress" he said, eliciting a small smile from her.

"Tank you" she politely replied, then returned her thumb to her mouth.

"Mrs. Morgan, it's to good to see you again" Emily said as she hugged Derek's mom.

"You too Emily!" She said, grinning wide.

"And you must be Charlotte" she said, smiling kindly at her. "It is so very nice to meet you. You can call me Fran, or Grandma, if you'd like" she told her as they all sat down.

"Gwandma?" Charlotte tried.

Emily and Derek smiled at her usual adorable pronunciation and Fran looked like she was going to jump out of her chair with excitement at being called that.

"It's about time!" She whispered loudly to Derek, who laughed.

"Mama, mama, come on now" he said, still smiling, "find what you want to get"

Once the waiter returned, they ordered their food: Shrimp for Emily, Pasta with steak for Derek, and Crab bisque for Fran. The restaurant didn't have a kids menu, but the waiter assured the, he could get the fanciest grilled cheese and soup arranged for Charlotte.

"So Emily, where is the adoption process?" Fran asked, as they munched on appetizers.

"Its long, but going well so far. We've done a home visit, and the next step is to go before a judge later this week." She explained.

Charlotte didn't know about it yet, and looked curious when Emily told Fran, but didn't say anything.

"And how has it been, not having to be out in danger all over the place? Maybe you see how nice it is and just want to be home? And convince Derek to do the same?" She asked

They all chuckled. "Come on now Mama, you know our work is important. If we didn't do our jobs, we never would have met Charlotte" he said, smiling at her.

"And Charlotte, honey, how is everything? What's your favorite thing to do?" She asked, smiling affectionately at the girl.

Charlotte looked up towards Emily, who nodded to reassure her.

"Well, I wike colowing and puzzles, and the a-aquawium" she answered smiling, finally pronouncing 'aquarium' correctly.

"Well those all sound like lots of fun to me" Fran replied with a wink.

Charlotte smiled. She liked her Grandma Fran.

The rest of dinner went just as smoothly. Fran was happy to see Derek happy with Emily and with Charlotte, and she adored both of them.

After their food and dessert, when they all felt too full to eat another bite and Charlotte looked like the was going to fall asleep any minute, Derek took the check and paid for it.

After he did, they all stood up to go. Emily lifted Charlotte in her arms and she quickly wrapped herself around her and laid her head on Emily's shoulder.

"Goodnight Charlotte" Fran said, lightly tickling the side of her arm.

She smiled, "Goodnight Gwandma, goodnight Dewek" she said as her eyes fluttered shut.

Thank you for reading. Remember, if you review, I will write more! It would be greatly appreciated if you left feedback :)